Ordering Prescriptions

How do I order prescription items?

Ordering a prescription at Petco takes four simple steps: find your pet's medication on petco.com, add it to your cart, enter your pet's and vet's information at checkout, and we handle the rest. Petco's pharmacy partner, Vetsource, will contact your veterinarian directly to verify the prescription — you don't need to do anything extra. Once your vet approves (typically 2-4 business days), your order ships and arrives within 5-7 days. You can also set up Autoship at checkout to save 35% on your first order and never run out of your pet's medication.

How do I know which items require a prescription?

All prescription medications on petco.com are marked with an "Rx" badge next to the item name and beneath the price. Items without an Rx badge can be purchased without a prescription. If you're unsure whether your pet's medication requires a prescription, your veterinarian can advise, or you can contact Petco Customer Care.

Why do you need my pet's health details to fill a prescription?

Federal pharmacy regulations require that prescription medications be dispensed safely and accurately. To fill your pet's prescription, Petco's pharmacy partner Vetsource needs your pet's weight, breed, age, and any known allergies — the same information your veterinarian uses when prescribing. This ensures your pet receives the correct dosage and that there are no harmful interactions. Your pet's information is saved securely in your Petco account and automatically applied to future Rx orders.

Do prescription medications require authorization from my vet?

Yes, all prescription medications require a valid authorization from a licensed veterinarian. Petco's pharmacy partner, Vetsource, handles this entirely on your behalf — you don't need to contact your vet separately. After you place your order, Vetsource reaches out to your veterinarian via fax and phone, making up to three contact attempts. Most vets respond within 2– 4 business days. If we are unable to reach your vet after 10 days, we'll notify you by email with next steps so you can help us reconnect — your order will not be silently cancelled without notice. Tip: Let your vet know in advance that Petco/Vetsource will be in touch to speed up the process.

Can I order different prescription items for multiple pets?

Yes — you can order prescriptions for multiple pets in a single checkout. Each pet needs its own profile in your Petco account, which you can set up in seconds under "My Pets." During checkout, simply select the correct pet profile for each Rx item. Having the right pet profile linked to each medication ensures there are no delays in vet verification. Creating a free Petco account is the fastest way to manage prescriptions for all your pets in one place.

Do I need a Petco account to order prescription items?

You can place a prescription order as a guest, but creating a free Petco account is strongly recommended. With an account, your pet's health profile, vet information, and prescription history are saved — making refills one click away. Account holders can also manage Autoship schedules, track refill counts, and earn Petco Perks points on every Rx purchase. Sign up takes under a minute at petco.com/account.

How long does a pet prescription order take from start to delivery?

Here is the typical timeline for a Petco prescription order:

• New prescription: Vet verification takes 2-4 business days. Once approved, your order processes in 1-2 business days and ships. Delivery is typically 5-7 days after approval — so plan for 7-11 days total from the day you order.
• Refills (on file): Process in 1-2 business days and ship immediately. Delivery in 2-5 days — about 3-7 days total.

You'll receive a tracking email as soon as your order ships. To avoid running out of medication, we recommend setting up Autoship, which automatically places your refill order before your current supply runs out. If you regularly visit your vet for annual exams and new prescriptions as needed, your prescription associated with your Autoship order will rollover and avoid delays due to an expired prescription. This is consistent with all retail pharmacies.

Is Vetsource at Petco licensed and accredited?

Yes. Petco's prescription orders placed online are fulfilled by Vetsource, one of the most trusted pharmacy partners in veterinary care. Vetsource at Petco is licensed to dispense prescription medications in all 50 states and holds two national accreditations: NA BP (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy) Digital Pharmacy Accreditation and URAC Mail Service Pharmacy Accreditation. These accreditations verify that Petco's pharmacy meets rigorous safety, quality, and compliance standards — the same standards required of human pharmacies. When you order a prescription through Petco, you can be confident it is handled by a fully licensed, nationally accredited pharmacy.

What animals does Petco's pharmacy support?

Petco's online pharmacy primarily supports cats and dogs, with additional medications also available for horses. We offer compounded medications for our Vetco Total Care and Vetco Vaccination Clinic customers through partners. If you are unsure whether your pet's prescription can be filled through Petco, contact Customer Care at 1 (877) 738-6742 or petco.com/contact-us and we'll point you in the right direction.

Can I transfer my pet's prescription from another pharmacy to Petco?

Yes. If your pet has an active prescription on file with another pharmacy (online or a local veterinarian), there's no separate transfer process — simply place a new order for the medication on petco.com just as you would for any prescription. At checkout, select your verification method and enter your vet's information. Petco's pharmacy partner, Vetsource, will reach out directly to your veterinarian to verify and fill the prescription, so you don't need to contact your previous pharmacy yourself. Ordering through Petco lets you consolidate your pet's prescriptions in one place, earn Petco Perks on every Rx order, and save 35% on your first Autoship order.

Can I use Petco Perks loyalty for prescription orders?

Yes. Every prescription order placed through Petco earns Petco Perks 1% back. Petco Perks members earn rewards on eligible pharmacy purchases and may have access to member pricing on select medications.

Does Petco price match pet prescription medications?

Petco is committed to offering competitive pricing on prescription medications and veterinary diets. While we don't have a formal online price match program, our everyday Rx prices are designed to be competitive with other major pet pharmacies. The best way to maximize your savings is through Autoship — save 35% on your first order and 5% on every subsequent delivery. Petco Perks members earn additional points on every Rx purchase, further reducing your overall cost. If you have a question about pricing on a specific medication, contact Petco Customer Care and we'll do our best to help.

Does my pet need a new vet visit every time I refill a prescription?

Not every refill requires a new vet visit — it depends on whether your pet's prescription has remaining authorized refills and whether the prescription is still within its valid period (typically 12 months from the date it was written). If refills remain on your active prescription, you can reorder directly through My Prescriptions in your Petco account without any additional vet contact.

However, once your prescription expires or runs out of authorized refills, your veterinarian will need to issue a new prescription, which generally requires an updated exam. This process is consistent for all pharmacies. Petco will notify you in advance when your prescription is approaching expiration so you have time to schedule a vet visit before your pet's medication runs out. Setting up Autoship helps avoid any gaps — Petco tracks your refill count and proactively reaches out to your vet when renewal is needed.

Does Petco pharmacy accept pet insurance for prescription orders?

Most pet insurance plans that cover prescription medications allow you to submit receipts for reimbursement after purchase. Petco provides an itemized order confirmation and receipt that you can submit directly to your insurance provider. Petco's online pharmacy does not currently process pet insurance claims at checkout. If you're considering pet insurance that covers prescriptions, visit petco.com/insurance to explore coverage options. For questions about whether a specific medication is covered under your existing policy, contact your pet insurance provider directly.

Can any licensed veterinarian write a prescription that Petco can fill?

Yes. Petco's pharmacy partner, Vetsource, can fill prescriptions written by any licensed veterinarian in the United States — including your regular vet, a specialist, an emergency clinic, or a Petco veterinarian. You do not need to use a Petco-affiliated vet to order prescriptions through Petco. Your veterinarian simply needs to authorize the prescription when Vetsource contacts them, or you can mail in a written prescription directly. The only requirement is that the prescribing vet holds a valid license, and the prescription is for a domestic pet in their care.

How much does shipping cost for prescription orders at Petco?

Petco offers free standard shipping on prescription orders of $35 or more. Orders under $35 are subject to standard shipping fees, which are calculated at checkout based on your delivery location. Most prescription orders ship via standard ground and arrive within 5-7 days after vet approval. Note: Refrigerated medications may have different shipping requirements and fees due to temperature-controlled packaging. Autoship orders of $35 or more also qualify for free shipping on every scheduled delivery.

Which common pet medications require a prescription at Petco?

Many popular pet health products require a valid veterinary prescription at any retail pharmacy. Common prescription-only medications available through Petco's pharmacy include:

• Flea, Tick & Parasite Prevention: NexGard, Bravecto, Simparica Trio, Trifexis, Interceptor Plus, Revolution
• Heartworm Prevention: Heartgard Plus, Sentinel, Interceptor Plus
• Allergy & Skin: Apoquel, Cytopoint (veterinarian-administered), Atopica
• Pain & Arthritis: Galliprant, Carprofen, Meloxicam
• Anxiety: Trazodone, Fluoxetine, Clomipramine
• Thyroid & Hormone: Methimazole (cats), Soloxine

Over-the-counter flea and tick products (such as Frontline, Seresto collars, and Advantage II) do not require a prescription and can be purchased directly. All prescription items on petco.com are marked with an "Rx" badge and will prompt you for validation at checkout. If you're unsure whether your pet's medication requires a prescription, ask your veterinarian.

Can I order prescription veterinary diet food through Petco's pharmacy?

Yes! Petco stores and Petco.com carries a wide selection of prescription veterinary diet foods for dogs and cats, including therapeutic diets for kidney disease, urinary health, weight management, gastrointestinal conditions, allergies, and diabetes. Check out our store locator to see if your local store has veterinary diet products in stock. Popular brands include Hill's Prescription Diet, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet, and Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets. Like prescription medications, veterinary diet foods require authorization from your veterinarian before your order can be processed. The ordering process is similar to prescription medications — add the item to your cart, enter your pet and vet information, and Vetsource will contact your vet for approval. For faster approval, you can upload an image of your prescription. Prescription food orders also qualify for Autoship, saving you 35% on your first order and 5% on every subsequent delivery. Shop veterinary diets at petco.com under Pharmacy > Dog Veterinary Diets or Cat Veterinary Diets.

Does Petco offer generic versions of brand-name pet medications?

Yes. Petco's pharmacy carries both brand-name and FDA-approved generic equivalents for many common pet medications. Generic medications contain the same active ingredient at the same dosage as their brand-name counterparts and are held to the same safety and efficacy standards by the FDA. Choosing a generic can result in significant savings. Common examples include generic carprofen (vs. Rimadyl), generic meloxicam (vs. Metacam), and generic fluoxetine (vs. Reconcile). Your veterinarian's prescription may specify a brand name, but in many cases a generic substitution is possible — ask your vet whether a generic is appropriate for your pet. On petco.com, you can filter search results to view generic options alongside brand-name products.

Refills & Autoship

How do I order prescription refills?

There are two easy ways to refill your pet's prescription at Petco. Refills are for prescriptions that have already been approved by the pharmacy:

1. Manual refill: Sign in to your Petco account, go to My Prescriptions, and click "Order Refill" next to the active prescription. The medication is added to your cart and ships in 1-2 business days.
2. Autoship (recommended): Set up Autoship on any prescription and Petco automatically reorders before you run out — no logins, no reminders needed. You'll save 5% on every Autoship Rx order, on top of the 35% discount on your very first Autoship order.

All refills are fulfilled by Vetsource, Petco's licensed pharmacy partner.

How do I set up Autoship for a pet prescription?

Setting up Autoship for a prescription is simple. On any Rx product page, select " Autoship & Save" and choose your preferred delivery frequency (every 30, 60, or 90 days). You'll need an active vet prescription dated within the last 12 months. At checkout, select your pet profile and vet information — we handle the vet verification from there. Your first Autoship Rx order saves 35% , and every subsequent order saves 5%. You can pause, skip, or cancel Autoship anytime from your account. Your prescription must have remaining refills authorized by your vet for Autoship to continue uninterrupted. For some medications, this will require an annual wellness exam.

How do I find out how many refills I have left?

The easiest way to check your remaining refills is in your Petco account under My Prescriptions — your active prescriptions, refill counts, and next refill dates are all listed there. If you ordered through Petco before, this information is automatically tracked. You can also check the label on your medication bottle for the refills remaining and "do not refill before" date. If you don't have the bottle or can't find the information in your account, contact Petco Customer Care and we'll look it up for you.

What happens if my pet's prescription runs out of refills or expires?

If your pet's prescription runs out of refills or expires, you will likely need to visit your Vet for an annual exam an new prescription. Once you do that, here is what happens:

Ordering manually: Add the medication to your cart as usual and check out. Petco will contact your vet to request a new prescription or refill authorization. Allow 5-10 days for vet contact and delivery. If your veterinarian denies the order because you need an appointment and new prescription, you can place a new order once you have that information.

On Autoship: If your Autoship order is due and refills have expired, Petco will automatically reach out to your vet for renewal. If your vet approves, your order ships as normal. If your vet does not respond or does not approve because you need an appointment, you will receive an email from Petco explaining next steps — which typically means scheduling a vet visit to renew the prescription.

Pro tip: To avoid any gap in your pet's medication, we recommend scheduling an Autoship order 2-3 weeks before your last refill is due — this gives time for vet outreach without interrupting treatment.

What happens to my Autoship if my vet won't renew my pet's prescription?

If your pet's prescription expires and your veterinarian does not authorize a renewal, your Autoship order will be placed on hold. Petco will notify you by email with the reason and suggested next steps, which usually means scheduling a visit with your vet to have the prescription renewed. Once your vet issues a new prescription and Vetsource receives authorization, your Autoship will resume automatically. If you visit a new vet for a renewal prescription, please update your Vet Clinic information (name, phone number, address) on your Autoship order page. Your Autoship is never silently cancelled — you will always receive a notification before any order is affected. If you have questions about a held Autoship order, contact Petco Customer Care.

Can I change, pause, or cancel my prescription Autoship?

Yes — you have full control over your prescription Autoship at any time. To manage your Autoship orders, sign in to your Petco account and navigate to the Autoship section. From there you can:

• Change frequency: Adjust your delivery schedule (e.g., from every 30 days to every 60 days) to better match your pet's usage.
• Skip a delivery: Skip your next scheduled shipment without cancelling — useful if you have supply left over.
• Pause: Temporarily pause your Autoship for up to 90 days.
• Cancel: Cancel your Autoship anytime with no fees or penalties.

Changes must be made at least 2 days before your next scheduled order date to take effect for that shipment. Note that pausing or cancelling Autoship does not cancel any orders already in process with your veterinarian.

Mail-In Prescriptions

How do I mail in a prescription?

If you have a physical written prescription from your vet, or your vet has chosen to be a written Rx only clinic, you can mail it directly to Petco's pharmacy partner rather than waiting for vet fax/phone verification. A written Rx only clinic does not interact with retail pharmacies directly. As a reminder, all prescriptions written by Petco veterinarians are automatically approved for online fulfillment via Petco.com.
Here's how to mail in your prescription:

1. Find your medication on petco.com and add it to cart.
2. At checkout, select "Mail-In Prescription" as your verification method.
3. After placing your order, you'll receive an Order Confirmation email with a unique Mail-In Code.
4. Write that code and your phone number clearly at the top of your physical prescription.
5. Mail it to: Vetsource, 17014 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland, OR 97230

Mail-in is a great option when your vet provides a written Rx and you want to start the process right away. Processing begins as soon as your prescription is received.

Post-Purchase

Why do refrigerated medications require a signature?

Refrigerated medications (such as certain insulin and compounded liquid preparations) require a signature at delivery to ensure they go directly into refrigerated storage. These medications can spoil within a few hours if left unrefrigerated. To avoid a wasted shipment, make sure someone is available to receive and immediately refrigerate the package. If you expect to be unavailable on the delivery date, use the tracking link in your shipping confirmation email to reschedule delivery with the carrier. Petco's pharmacy partner, Vetsource, cannot ship refrigerated medications to AK, HI, or PR.

What should I do if my pet has a reaction to their medication?

If your pet shows any unusual symptoms after starting a new medication — such as vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing — contact your veterinarian immediately. For after-hours emergencies, contact a veterinary emergency clinic or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426- 4435 (fee may apply). Do not stop or adjust your pet's medication dosage without veterinary guidance. If you believe there was an error with your prescription order, contact Petco Customer Care at 1 (877) 738-6742 and we will work with Vetsource to resolve it.

Can I return prescription medications?

Prescription medications cannot be returned in-store or by mail, as required by pharmacy law. However, if there is a problem with your order — such as a wrong item shipped, damaged packaging, or a fulfillment error — contact Petco Customer Care and we will make it right. Issues that qualify for resolution include incorrect medications, damaged or compromised packaging, and orders that were not delivered. Contact us at petco.com/contact-us or call Customer Care directly.

How can I tell if medications have expired?

Check the expiration date printed on the manufacturer's packaging or on the pharmacy label from Vetsource. If the date has passed, or if the medication has changed in color, texture, or smell, do not administer it to your pet. When in doubt, contact your veterinarian or Petco Customer Care before giving the medication. Expired medications should be disposed of properly — your local Petco Vetco clinic or veterinary office can help you dispose of them safely.

How do I properly dispose of leftover or expired medication?

You have several safe options for disposing of expired or leftover pet medications:

• Petco Vetco Clinics: Many Petco locations with Vetco veterinary services accept expired or unused medications for safe disposal. Use the store locator at stores.petco.com to find a Vetco clinic near you.
• Your veterinarian: Your pet's vet clinic can advise on disposal or accept medications directly.
• Medication take-back programs: The DEA's National Prescription Drug Take- Back program offers periodic drop-off events for safe disposal. Visit D EA.gov for locations.

Do not flush pet medications down the toilet or put them in household trash unless the label specifically instructs it — improper disposal can harm wildlife and water supplies.

What if I have questions about my Rx order?

For questions about your prescription order — including order status, vet verification updates, shipping details, or billing — the fastest options are:

• Online: Sign in and visit My Prescriptions at petco.com/account for real-time order status and refill information.
• Customer Care: Contact us at petco.com/contact-us or via live chat. Have your order number ready for faster service.

For clinical questions about your pet's medication, dosage, or safety, contact your veterinarian directly or reach ask Petco Customer care to direct you to the Vetsource pharmacy support team.

Can I pick up my pet's prescription at a Petco store instead of having it shipped?

Yes, if you are a Vetco Total Care customer who is prescribed medication by a Petco veterinarian, you can pickup medication at the same location. If you have a valid prescription on file from your Petco veterinarian, call your Vetco Total Care hospital location to pick up the medication today. Use the store locator at stores.petco.com to find a Vetco total care hospital or vaccination clinic near you to book an appointment if needed. The first appointment is free.

If you have a prescription for Veterinary Diet products, you can order online at Petco.com to pickup in select stores. Use the store locator at stores.petco.com to confirm which locations have Veterinary Diet products in stock.

Currently, medication orders placed online through Petco's pharmacy are fulfilled by Vetsource and shipped directly to your home. In-store pickup is not available for prescription medications ordered through petco.com. However, if you need same-day access to your pet's prescription, Petco's in-store veterinary services can provide prescriptions directly during your visit, and many common medications are available for immediate purchase at the clinic.

How do I track my prescription order from Petco?

You can track your prescription order status at any time by signing in to your Petco account and visiting My Prescriptions. If you visited a Petco veterinarian, allow up to 48 hours for the visit file to be closed and your prescription to show on your Petco.com profile. Once you place an order, your order will move through the following stages, each with an email notification:

1. Order Received — Your order has been placed and is pending vet verification.
2. Contacting Your Vet — Vetsource is reaching out to your veterinarian for prescription approval.
3. Vet Approved — Your veterinarian has authorized the prescription; your order is now being processed.
4. Shipped — Your order is on its way. A tracking number from the carrier will be included in your shipping confirmation email.
5. Delivered — Your order has arrived.

If your order status hasn't updated, there may be a delay in reaching your veterinarian for approval. If you ordered during a holiday period, please allow extra time to process your order. You can give your veterinarian a call to let them know you need this order approved or contact Petco customer care.